About Us

Get to know our team

Our Assurance

Trusting Relationships & Superior Service

Brown Benefits has been exclusively marketing the Chambers of Commerce Group Insurance Plan for over twenty years. As Group Benefit & Financial Service specialists, we thrive on engaging dialogue with those that we work with. We achieve sound solutions through collaboration & communication. Trusting relationships & outstanding service are at the forefront of our practice.

Karen Parfeniuk

Client Care Specialist

PROTECT YOUR MOST VALUABLE ASSETS

Don Brown

Don entered the Financial Services industry in 1998 after over a decade in retail management. He originally relocated to the Okanagan to open the valley’s first Sport Chek location. Growing up in Vancouver, Don’s father Don Sr. was a Mutual Life of Canada advisor for over forty years.

As the owner of Brown Benefits, Don strives to build trusting, positive relationships with business owners and individuals. He enjoys empowering clients by personalizing benefit plans that help retain valuable employees, while boosting productivity and employee wellness in the workplace. Don’s optimistic attitude and considerate communication style help put clients at ease.

As an exclusive marketing agent of the Chambers of Commerce Group Insurance Plan, Don has been recognized nationally for marketing excellence and high service standards.

Don is in his third term as a Director with the Penticton & Wine Country Chamber of Commerce. He has volunteered as a soccer coach with both the Kelowna and Westside Youth Soccer Associations, and Brown Benefits has sponsored local clubs on multiple occasions.

A strong advocate for a positive work/life balance, Don is an avid golfer, and also enjoys playing soccer and hockey. He relishes quality time with family, and cannot resist traveling to warmer climates during the Okanagan’s cooler seasons.

Spencer Brown

Spencer joined the Brown Benefits team in 2014 after spending a year teaching overseas in London, England. He holds a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education from UBC Okanagan, bringing fresh perspectives and youthful exuberance to the family business.

Efficient, analytical & sincere, Spencer relishes the opportunity to educate business owners and individuals on the nuances of benefit plans and personal insurance. A natural communicator, he values relationships over any transaction. Spencer’s calm, steady approach makes him dependable and straightforward to work with.

A high-achieving athlete through youth & post-secondary ranks, Spencer held the unique distinction of being UBC Okanagan’s only student to compete for two varsity teams from 2008-2012.

Spencer volunteers as an ambassador with the Penticton & Wine Country Chamber of Commerce, serves on the Board of Directors with the Summerland Chamber of Commerce, and is a member of JCI Penticton.

Spencer enjoys all the Okanagan has to offer with his lovely wife Lindsey. He is a regular golfer, while also playing soccer, hockey & volleyball. Spencer appreciates great films and popular culture.

Gord Brown

Gord made the jump to the financial services industry in 2007 following a decorated career with the Canadian National Ski Team. He has achieved the highest level of the National Coaching Certification Program. Having traveled and coached all over the world, Gord’s experience and understanding of life’s risks help him build mutual respect with his clients.

A natural coach, Gord loves to guide business owners and individuals in reaching their goals. He is loyal to his clients, with quality and integrity at the forefront of his practice. Whether brokering benefit plans, personal insurance, or other financial services, valuable relationships are Gord’s main priority.

While with the National Ski Team, Gord was recognized for outstanding service and community involvement. An excellent skier to this day, Gord maintains a small group of clients he coaches during the winter months.

Gord is a proud member of the Okanagan Business Excellence group, serving as Chair on multiple occasions. He organizes their annual fall golf tournament, which has donated over $25,000 to the West Kelowna Food Bank.

Gord is most fulfilled when spending time with his family. He is a proud father and grandfather. During the offseason for skiing, he can be found golfing, playing soccer, or cycling around town.

Karen Parfeniuk

Karen joined Brown Benefits in 2006. She draws on experience from BC’s Ministry of Forests, as well as spending a decade with Overwaitea Foods. Karen heads up our client service department. She is the friendly voice on the phone, or the one that has all the answers when clients send us an e-mail.

Karen consistently receives rave reviews from those we work with. She is responsive & client driven, regularly empowering plan administrators to carry on with their day having received an answer to their benefit plan questions. Karen’s efficient processes and task orientated attitude make her a great asset to our office. She truly knows what it means to provide excellent service.

Karen has routinely served on school and parent advisory boards, in addition to volunteering with minor hockey and at various community events.

Karen is a competitive dragon boat racer; she enjoys running, skating and attending boot camps bright and early in the morning. She cherishes family time, and gatherings with close friends.

Brown Benefits

Brown Benefits has been exclusively marketing the Chambers of Commerce Group Insurance Plan for over twenty years. As Group Benefit & Financial Service specialists, we thrive on engaging dialogue with those that we work with. We achieve sound solutions through collaboration & communication. Trusting relationships & outstanding service are at the forefront of our practice.